Adjusting means for cutting steels and piercing punches



2,213,919 ADJUSTING MEANS FOR CUT-TING STEELS AND PIERCING PUNCHES Sept.3, 1940. .1. H. M. MICHON Filed Aug. 7, 1939 s Sheets-Sheet 1 N v a a mw .6 7/ 2v 1 ET z z z a 7 9 m g .y r k m E FM/fi fl fi "1 j 2E V/ A p1940- I J. H. M. MICHON ADJUSTING MEANS FOR C TTING STEELS AND PIEROINQPUNCHES Filed Aug. '7, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jami Mir/5'02:

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ADJUSTING MEANS FOR CUTTING STEELS AND PIERCING PUNCHES Filed Aug. 7,i939 :5 Sheets-Sheet s Patented Sept. 3, 1940 UNITED srATas- PATENJoseph H. M. Michon, Toledo, Ohio Application August 7,

14 Claims. This invention relates to machines for blanking, trimming andpunching sheet metal work and more specifically to means for effectinglateral adjustment of the cutting steels of the die shoes in any desireddirection and locking said steels in a set position. a In the operationof sheet metal blanking, piercing and trimming machines considerabledimculty has heretofore been experienced in properly positioning thecutting steels on the die shoe inasmuch as they are made of temperedmetal and whenever an adjustment of the cutting steel is necessary newopenings have to be formed in both the cutting steel and die shoe 18 toallow for doweling or adjustment, thereby not only necessitating extratime and labor on the part of the mechanic and additional expenseincident thereto but also materially slowing up vproduction.

go The primary object of the invention, therefore, is to providea'comparatively simple and inexpensive device by means of which thecutting steel may be instantly moved to the desired position of lateraladjustment with respect to a the die shoe and positively locked in a setposition without the necessity of making extra dowel openings in eitherthe cutting steel or die shoe.

A further object of the invention is to provide a dowel pin andadjusting means therefor which can be readily converted into a punch forpiercing holes in the work simultaneously with the blanking or trimmingoperation or independently thereof as desired.

A further object is to provide a device of the character described whichnot only performs the function of adjusting and locking the cuttingsteel in a set position on the punch plate or die shoe but is soconstructed as to receive and accommodate other working tools, such as agage pin for accurately aligning the work.

A further object is to provide a dowel pin adapted to fit in an openingin the die shoe and having inner and outer eccentric sleeves associatedtherewith and seated in the cutting steel to eiifect lateral adjustmentthereof, the dowel pin being provided with a tapered threaded portionwhich coacts with a correspondingly tapered threaded portion on theinner eccentric sleeve whereby, when the dowel pin is rotated, thesleeves will be clamped in engagement with the cutting steel andsecurely hold said cutting steel in a set position of adjustment.

A further object is to provide an adapter deis signed to receive theinner and outer eccentric 1939, Serial N6. 288,867 I (0!. 164-118)sleeves when the dowel pin is removed and the device used as a piercingpunch, one member of the punch having a threaded portion engaging thethreads on one eccentric sleeve and the other member or matrix of thepunch being pro: vided with a similar tapered threaded portion forengagement with another eccentric sleeve so that by adjusting saideccentric sleeves, either or both of the punch elements may be adjustedlaterally to accurately align the punch elements 10 with the work and inwhich position they may be securely locked against accidentaldisplacement.

A still further object of the invention is generally to improve thisclass of devices so as to 15 increase their utility, durability andefflciency.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part 4 of this specification andin which similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts inall the figures of the drawings: 30

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a metal working machine showingseveral of the adjustable dowels embodying the present invention inposition on the cutting steels thereof,

Figure 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional'view 5 of one of theadjustable dowels and p Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view taken onthe line 3-3 of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the diiierent 30 elements comprisingthe device detached and disposed one above the other in position to beassembled,

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view of a metal working machine showingthe position and arrangement of the piercing punch,

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 5,

Figure 7 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 1-1 of Figure6, a

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view of a modified form of the piercingpunch,

Figure 9 is a side'elevation showing the device used for supporting agage pin,

Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view of Figure 5 9; and

Figure 11 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line ll--H ofFigure 10.

The improved device forming the subject-matter of the present inventionis shown in connec- 50 tion with a metal piercing and trimming machineof conventional construction in which 5 designates the punch plate, 6the die shoe and l vertical pins for guiding the punch plate during thecutting operation. Disposed on the lower 5 its associated arms 9, inwhich are mounted the cutting steel adjusting mechanism which. will nowbe described.

The adjusting mechanism comprises a longitudinally split inner eccentricsleeve It adapted to fit within a tapered socket. or opening H formed inthe arm 9 of the adjacent cutting steel, said inner sleeve having itslower end provided with a lateral reinforcing flange l2 defining ashoulder I3. The eccentric sleeve I is provided with a longitudinal kerfl4 extending entirely through the sleeve and one or more auxiliary kerfsl5 which terminate short of the upper end of the sleeve and servetoimpart the desired resiliency to said sleeve for the'purposehereinafter referred to. Fitting over the inner sleeve M is an outerlongitudinally split eccentric sleeve it, the exterior walls of whichare inclined or tapered upwardly, as indicated at l1, and preferablygrooved or otherwise roughened at it so as to insure good contact withthe corresponding tapered walls of the socket I in the cutting steel.The inner wall of the outer eccentric sleeve I6 is disposed parallelwith the outer wall of the inner sleeve l0 and formed in the inner wallof said outer sleeve l6 near the bottom thereof is a groove l9 adaptedto receive the flange l2. The inner wall of the inner sleeve It at the-lower end thereof is provided with a downwardly tapered bore 20, thewalls of which are threaded at 2| for engagement with a correspondinglytapered threaded portion 22 on a work-engaging tool, indicated at 23.This work-engaging tool may be in the form of a punch, gage pin or dowelpin and when the device is used for adjusting the cutting steel thework-engaging tool will take the form of a dowel pin, as best shown inFigures 1 and 2 of the drawings. The dowel pin 23 is provided at itsupper end with a hexagonal head 24 and at its lower end with a smoothcylindrical extension 25 which fits within a cylindrical bore or opening21, said opening 21 beingformed in both the punch plate and die shoe toreceive the ends of the adjacent dowel pins. The upper ends of the innerand outer eccentric sleeves are provided with fiattenedportions 28 topermit the same to be conveniently gripped with a wrench or othersuitable tool for the purpose of adjusting the eccentrics to vary themovement or throw of the cutting steel. The upper cutting steels 8 havescrews 29 extending loosely therethrough and threaded into the punchplate 5 while the lower steels have similar screws 30 threaded into thedie shoe for the purpose of temporarily holding said cutting steels inposition thereon.

In operation, the inner and outer sleeves are telescoped one within theother and then slightly compressed with a suitable tool and insertedwithin the opening H in the cutting steel, the expansion of said sleevesserving to force the outer sleeve in engagement with the walls of theopening Ii as soon as the compression on the sleeves is removed. Thedowel pin 23 is then inserted within the. inner sleeve so that thethreads 2| and 22 interengage. In order to eflfect lateral adjustment ofthe cutting steels 8, it is merely necessary to grasp the flat faces 28of the eccentric sleeves and turn them either to the right or left, asthe case may be, which will impart a corresponding lateral movement tothe cutting steels and thus permit a nicety of adjustment of saidsteels. After the desired adjustment of the cutting steels has beenefiected, the angular head 24 of the dowel pin is rotated with a wrenchor other suitable tool which causes the shoulder l3 to bear against theadjacent wall of wedging the outer sleeve against the walls of theopening in the cutting steel and securely holding said cutting steel inany desired set position of adjustment. After adjustment of the cuttingsteels has been effected, the screws 23 may be tightened, if desired.Owing to the eccentric disposition of the inner and outer sleeves, acomparatively wide range of adjustment for the cutting steels may beinstantly obtained without the necessity of boring extra holes in thepunch plate and i die shoe, and, as previously stated, the clampingaction between the dowel pin and eccentric sleeves will positively holdthe cutting steel in adjusted position.

In Figure 5 of the drawings, there is shown a piercing punch 33 appliedto a metal trimming machine. In this form of the device, an adapter 3|is threaded into both the punch plate 5 and die shoe 6, said adapterbeing provided with a socket 32, the inner walls of which are slightlytapered or wedge shaped, as indicated at 33. The

inner and outer sleeves l0 and I6 are inserted within the socket 32 ofthe adapter in the manner previously described and instead of employingthe dowel pin 23 a piercing punch 30 is used in lieu thereof. The upperend of the piercing punch 30 is provided with tapered threads 34 forengagement with the correspondingly tapered threaded portion on theinner sleeve l0. Seated within the adapter and bearing against theadjacent end of the threaded portion of the punch is a bearing plate 35designed to take the impact of the punch when the latter is inoperation. The adapter 3| on the die shoe 6 is of similarconstructionwith the exception that instead of using the punchingelement 3|! 2. button or matrix 36 is threaded within the innereccentric sleeve for coaction with said punch element, as will bereadily understood. By adjusting the eccentric sleeves within the upperand lower adapters 3|, the punch elements may be shifted laterally toaccurately align the same and in which position they will be securelyheld by rotating the angular head 31 of the piercing punch and theangular head 38 of the button or matrix respectively. If desired,instead of employing the adapters 3|, tapered openings or sockets 39 maybe formed in the punch plate and die shoe, respectively, and thedifferent .parts constituting the piercing punch inserted directlywithin said openings, as best shown in Figure 8 of the drawings.

Disposed within the lower adapter shown in Figure 6 and within thesocket or opening 33 shown in Figure 8' are impact plates 40 eachprovided. with a central bore defining an annular shoulder 4| againstwhich the lower end of the button or matrix is adapted to rest. Theeccentric sleeves l0 and I6 may also be used to advantage for supportinga gage pin, and in Figures 9 and 10 of the drawings, there is shown agage pin 12 disposed within the inner eccentric sleeve and projectingvertically therefrom for engagement with the work, indicated at 43. Thelower end of the gage pin 42 is provided with a terminal taperedthreaded portion 44 adapted to engage the correspondingly taperedthreaded portion 2| on the inner eccentric sleeve. The upper end of thegage pin 42 is provided with an angular socket 45 adapted to receive awrench or other suitable tool for the purpose of rotating the same andlocking the pin in a set position after the desired adjustment has beeneffected. These gage pins 42 maybe positioned either against theperipheral edge of a metal blank or extend through openings in the blankfor the purpose of holding the blank in the desired position whenoperating thereon.

It will here be noted that the inner and outer eccentric sleeves areemployed in all forms of the device, the construction of saidsleevesbeing such as to allow the use of any kind of working tool and in allcases the-rotation or partial rotation of the eccentric sleeves serve toeifect lateral adjustment of said working tool and in which position thetool may be securely locked by rotating the same, as hereinbeforedescribed.

By the use of the mechanism hereindescribed, the necessity forforming-new or extra openings in either the cutting steel or die shoesto allow for doweling or adjustment is entirely obviated andconsequently production is materially increased.

It will, of course, be understood that the devices may be made indiflerent sizes and shapes and used in connection with any style or typeof metal working machines without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. The combination with relatively stationary and movable members, of anadjusting device including inner and outer eccentric sleeves mounted onone of said members for adjusting the movable member laterally withrespect to the stationary member, and a working tool fitted within theinner sleeve for engagement with the means on said working tool forexpanding the outer sleeve in engagement with the walls of said openingand holding the movable member in a set position of adjustment when saidtool is rotated. r

3. The combination with relatively stationary and movable members, of anadjusting device including inner and outer eccentric sleeves adapted tofit within a tapered opening in the movable member, the outer sleevebeing tapered and the inner sleeve provided with interior threads, and aworking tool fitting within the inner sleeve and having tapered exteriorthreads adapted to engage the interior threads of the inner sleeveforexpanding the outer sleeve in en gagement with the walls of theopening for holding the movable member in a set position of adjustment.

4. The combination with relatively stationary and movable membersprovided with openings, of an adjusting device including inner and outerexpansible eccentric sleeves fitting within the opening of one of themembers, one of said sleeves being upwardly tapered and provided at itslower end with. a groove and the other sleeve being formed with ashoulder for engagement with the i groove and having its bore taperedand threaded, and a working tool fitting within the inner sleeve and theopening in the other member, said working tool being provided withtapered threads engaging the threads on the inner sleeve for expandingsaid sleeves against the walls of the opening in the adjacent member forlocking the movable member in a set position of adjustment.

5. The combination with relatively stationary and movable members, of anadjusting device including inner and outer longitudinally spliteccentric sleeves adapted to fit within a tapered opening in the movablemember, the inner wall of the inner sleeve being provided with athickened tapered portion having threads thereon-and the outer sleevebeing upwardly tapered, each sleeve being provided at its upper end witha toolengaging surface, and a working tool threaded in the inner sleeveand engaging an opening in the other member, said working tool whenrotated serving to clamp the sleeves in contact with the walls of theopening in the movable member and hold said movable member in a setposition of adjustment.

6. An adjusting device including inner and outer eccentric sleeves oneof which is provided with an interior tapered threaded portion, and aworking tool having a correspondingly tapered threaded portionengageable with said threaded portion on the sleeve for locking saidsleeves in engagement with a support when said tool is rotated.

7. An adjusting device comprising a support having a socket therein,inner and outer expanslble eccentric sleeves fitting within the socket,and a working tool fitted .within the inner sleeve and provided withmeans for clamping said sleeves against the wall of the socket when saidtool is rotated.

8. An adjusting device comprising inner and outer telescopic eccentricsleeves, said sleeves being longitudinally split and provided withwrench-engaging surfaces, the outer sleeve being downwardly tapered andprovided with an interior groove and the inner sleeve being formed witha lateral flange defining aishoulder for engagement with the adjacentwall of the groove, the inner wall of the inner sleeve at the lower endthereof being provided with inclined threads, and a working tool fittingwithin the inner sleeve and provided with a tapered threaded portionadapted to engage the threads on the inner sleeve when said tool isrotated. V

9. The combination with spaced supports, of an adapter carried by eachsupport, inner and outer expansible eccentric sleeves fitting withineach adapter, the inner sleeves having their inner walls tapered andthreaded, a working tool having a correspondingly tapered threadedportion for engagement with the threads of the inner sleeve of oneadapter, and a working tool having i a threaded tapered portion engagingthe tapered threads on the inner sleeve of the other adapter whereby topermit the working end of one tool to be adjusted laterally with respectto the working end of the other tool and securely locked in a setposition of adjustment.

10. The combination with a support having an opening therein, of anadjusting device including longitudinally split inner and outertelescopic sleeves having their upper ends provided with angularwrench-engaging faces, the inner wall of the inner sleeve being providedwith a tapered threaded portion, and a gage having a correbeing providedwith a tapered portion formed with threads for engagement with athreaded portion on a working tool whereby when the tool is insertedwithin the inner sleeve and rotated said sleeves will be expandedagainst the walls 01' the opening in the support.

12. The combination with a plurality of worlring tools each having atapered threaded per-- tion, of an adjusting device including inner andouter expansible eccentric sleeves adapted to flt within a taperedopening in a support, the inner wall of the inner sleeve being providedwith a tapered threaded portion adapted to selectively andinterchangeably engage the threads .on any one of the working toolswhereby when a selected working tool is inserted within the inner sleeveand rotated said sleeves will be clamped against the tapered walls ofthe opening in the support.

13. The combination with a plurality of working tools, each providedwith a tapered threaded portion, inner and outer expansible eccentric Isleeves adapted to fit within a tapered opening in a support, saidsleeves being provided with interen aging stop shoulders, the outersleeve being e teriorly upwardly tapered and the inner sleeve formedwith an interior tapered threaded portion adapted'to engage thegthreadson a selected working tool whereby. when a tool is inserted within theinner sleeve and rotated the shoulders will interengage and force theouter sleeve upwardly within the tapered opening and in clampingengagement with the walls thereof.

14. In a metal trimming machine, the combination with a punch plate anddie shoe each having an opening formed therein, or cutting steelsadiustably mounted on saidpunch plate and die shoe, respectively, andprovided with' openings, the walls or which are tapered, expansibleeccentric telescopic sleeves fitting within the openings inthe cuttingsteel for adjusting the cutting steels laterally with respect to thepunch plate and die shoe, the outer sleeves being tapered and the innersleeves formed with tapered thread- "ed portions, and dowel pins havingtheir lower ends fitted in the openings in the punch plate and die shoe,respectively, and their intermediate portions formed with taperedthreadsadapted to engage the tapered threads on the adjacent inner inthe inner sleeves and rotated said sleeves will be forced intofrictional engagement with the tapered walls of the openings and holdthe cutting steels in a set position of adjustment.

JOSEPH n. M. MICHON.

sleeve whereby when the dowel pins are inserted 25

